The Rainaldi Quartet (Gianni and Guastafeste, 1) (Volume 1) - Softcover

Adam, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1933397772 ISBN 13: 9781933397771

Publisher: Felony & Mayhem Press, 2007

Synopsis

Gianni Castiglione has a pleasant, quiet life in Cremona. A luthier?a maker and repairer of violins?he spends most of his time adoring his grandchildren and playing chamber-quartets with the local priest, the chief of police, and a fellow aging luthier, Tomaso Rainaldi. Rainaldi is in thrall to music?s myths, particularly the stories about the ?Messiah?s Sister,? a priceless, centuries-old, and possibly imaginary violin. When Rainaldi is brutally murdered and his workroom destroyed, it becomes clear that violins had something to do with his death, and the chief of police needs Castiglione?s knowledge of the luthier?s world. Following the clues will take the two men deep into musical history.

About this title

About the Author:

Who's Likely to Like This? Fans of The Da Vinci Code, The Orchid Thief, Donna Leon

From Publishers Weekly:

Starred Review. From the first stirring theme to the last fading chord, mystery fans and music lovers alike will be captivated by British author Adam's excellent contemporary thriller. Gianni Castiglione, a violin maker who lives in rural Italy, plays in a string quartet with fellow luthier Rainaldi, parish priest Father Arrighi and police detective Guastafeste. When Rainaldi is murdered after dropping hints about a search for a rare and magnificent violin, Father Arrighi conducts the funeral and Guastafeste investigates, aided by Castiglione's thorough knowledge of violin construction and history. As they travel across Italy and England tracking down clues and suspects, a rich and subtle story unfolds. Adam has constructed this tale with all the care and craftsmanship that Stradivari put into his instruments, filling it to the brim with deliciously caustic commentary on Italian city life and fascinating historical and musical detail. If the mystery itself is slightly less than compelling, it's because the storytelling almost overwhelms the crime solving. The gentle exposition helps the layman keep up without condescension. (Feb.)
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About this edition

• Publisher: Felony & Mayhem Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1933397772
• ISBN 13: 9781933397771
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312